Pakistan has finalized the sale of a 75% stake in its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to Arif Habib Investment for $482 million. The auction, broadcast live on state television, saw participation from three domestic bidders. Arif Habib Investment emerged as the top bidder with an offer of 135 billion Pakistani rupees, narrowly surpassing a consortium led by Lucky Cement, which offered 134 billion rupees. Private airline Air Blue placed a distant third bid of 26.5 billion rupees.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the transaction as one of the largest in Pakistan’s history, emphasizing transparency throughout the process. The deal also grants Arif Habib Investment the option to acquire the remaining 25% of PIA shares in the coming months. The privatization move follows a failed attempt last year, as the government seeks to reduce losses and modernize the struggling airline.

Analysts say the sale could mark a turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector, though challenges remain in restructuring operations and restoring PIA’s global reputation.

A youth leader from Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has issued a sharp warning to India, declaring that any threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty would provoke a military and missile response from Pakistan. Kamran Saeed Usmani made the remarks in a video message, asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces and missiles are “not far away” if India acts against Dhaka.

Usmani claimed that Muslim youth across the region are becoming increasingly alert to India’s strategic ambitions, particularly what he described as efforts to impose the “Akhand Bharat” ideology. He urged Bangladesh to form a military alliance with Pakistan and proposed establishing mutual military bases in both countries.

Analysts note that such rhetoric, though not an official government stance, could heighten regional tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The statement comes amid a fragile South Asian security environment, where even symbolic threats risk escalating diplomatic friction. No official response from Dhaka or New Delhi has yet been reported.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board will lodge a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan defeated India by a massive 191-run margin, but the victory was overshadowed by allegations of excessive sledging and unsportsmanlike conduct by the Indian team.

Naqvi stated that Indian players repeatedly provoked Pakistani cricketers throughout the match, calling the incidents contrary to the spirit of the game. Pakistan’s U-19 coach Sarfaraz Ahmed echoed the sentiment, describing India’s actions as “against cricketing ethics,” while emphasizing that his team maintained professionalism after the win. The PCB leadership stressed that politics and sports should remain separate.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has long been marked by heightened tension. Similar disciplinary concerns arose during the senior Asia Cup final earlier, when players from both sides faced ICC reprimands. The latest episode may prompt the ICC to review conduct guidelines for youth tournaments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “highly respected general,” lauding his leadership during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Trump claimed his administration had “stopped eight wars,” including a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, which he said could have cost millions of lives.

The remarks follow a series of public compliments Trump has made toward Munir since their June meeting in Washington, where the Pakistani military leader was hosted for a rare White House luncheon. Trump reiterated his positive relations with both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s leadership, calling them “tremendous people.” His comments come amid ongoing debate over conflicting accounts of the May border conflict in Kashmir, during which both nations claimed aerial victories.

Analysts note that Trump’s statements may reflect his broader effort to highlight diplomatic achievements ahead of the 2026 election cycle, though his version of events has drawn skepticism from regional observers and defense analysts.

The United States has approved a $686 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress after the proposal cleared the 30-day review period without objections. Lockheed Martin will serve as the primary contractor, providing hardware and software upgrades, maintenance, and technical support.

According to DSCA, the package includes 92 Link-16 data-link systems, avionics modernization, secure communication tools, and training equipment. Of the total cost, $37 million will cover major defense items, while $649 million will go toward maintenance and modernization services. The upgrades aim to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 aircraft to 2040 and maintain interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.

Washington emphasized that the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests, supporting counterterrorism cooperation without altering the regional military balance. Pakistan first requested the upgrade in 2021–22, but the process only advanced under the Trump administration in late 2025 after previous delays.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team has received a major financial reward following their emphatic 191-run victory over India in the Youth Asia Cup final. The win marked a significant achievement for Pakistan, whose senior team has struggled to defeat India in recent years. The young squad’s dominant performance brought renewed pride to the nation’s cricketing community.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had declared a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 4.3 million Bangladeshi taka) for each player. During a meeting with the team, Sharif praised the players and coaching staff for their dedication and outstanding performance, expressing hope that these young cricketers would continue to bring glory to Pakistan.

The victory and subsequent recognition are seen as a morale boost for Pakistan’s cricket system, highlighting the potential of its youth development programs. Analysts suggest the success could strengthen the country’s future talent pipeline and rekindle optimism among fans ahead of upcoming international tournaments.

Pakistan has intensified diplomatic consultations with regional partners Turkey and Iran regarding the proposed Gaza peace plan under U.S. President Donald Trump’s framework. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed separate phone discussions with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on humanitarian relief, ceasefire stability, and long-term regional security.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the country remains actively engaged with allies to ensure sustained humanitarian access and a durable truce in Gaza. Turkey continues to lead regional calls for an immediate ceasefire and international protection for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Islamabad clarified that no final decision has been made on contributing troops to any multinational force and emphasized it would not participate in operations targeting Hamas or other Palestinian resistance groups.

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. The consultations highlight growing regional coordination amid uncertainty over the implementation of the U.S.-backed peace initiative.

Pakistan’s military confirmed that nine militants allegedly linked to India-backed Al-Khariji network were killed in two separate counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the raids took place on December 19 in Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu districts, following intelligence reports of militant activity.

According to ISPR, four militants were killed after an intense gun battle in Dera Ismail Khan, while five others were neutralized in Bannu. Authorities recovered weapons and ammunition from the sites. The slain militants were reportedly involved in attacks on security forces, law enforcement, and civilians. A sanitization operation is ongoing to ensure no further militant presence in the area.

Islamabad has repeatedly blamed the surge in cross-border terrorism on developments following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Security analysts warn that the persistent instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan could further strain Pakistan’s counterterrorism capacity and regional relations.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team clinched the 2025 Youth Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai. Batting first at the ICC Academy Ground, Pakistan posted a massive 347 for eight, powered by opener Samir Minhas’s stunning 172 off 113 balls, featuring 17 fours and nine sixes. Ahmed Hossain added 56, while Usman Khan contributed 35, setting India a daunting target.

In reply, India’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, managing only 156 runs in 26.2 overs. Dipesh Devendran top-scored with 36, as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated — Ali Raza took four wickets, while Mohammad Sayem, Abdul Subhan, and Huzaifa Ahsan claimed two each. The victory marked Pakistan’s second Youth Asia Cup triumph, following their shared title with India in 2012.

Samir Minhas was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his outstanding performance. The result reinforces Pakistan’s growing strength in youth cricket and sets the tone for the next generation of international players from the region.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Afghanistan’s deputy ambassador following a deadly militant attack on a Pakistani military base in North Waziristan that killed four soldiers. The ministry said the assault was carried out by the Khariji Gul Bahadur group, which Islamabad claims operates from Afghan territory. The summoning was intended to deliver a strong protest and demand that Kabul prevent its soil from being used against Pakistan.

The incident has further strained relations between the two neighbors, already tense over cross-border militancy. Afghan officials have repeatedly assured that their territory will not be used for attacks against any country, particularly Pakistan, but have not yet issued a formal response to the summoning. Political analyst Moeen Gul Samkani suggested that Afghanistan might reciprocate by summoning Pakistan’s envoy in Kabul.

The episode underscores the fragile security dynamics along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Analysts warn that continued militant activity could derail regional counterterrorism cooperation and complicate diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Kabul.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on his party’s workers and supporters to prepare for nationwide protests, claiming that all avenues for justice have been closed. The appeal was conveyed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja during a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, following a special court’s verdict sentencing Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana case.

Raja alleged that Khan is being held in solitary confinement and that his family members are being denied access to court proceedings. He said prison authorities have ignored court orders allowing scheduled visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Quoting Khan, Raja stated that the former premier remains steadfast in his stance and is ready to sacrifice his life for the people’s freedom.

The call for mobilization marks a potential escalation in Pakistan’s political tensions, as PTI supporters prepare for possible demonstrations amid ongoing disputes over judicial independence and political repression.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for showing interest in joining a proposed international stability force for Gaza. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on Friday, Rubio said the US appreciates Pakistan’s willingness to contribute to peacekeeping efforts, though Islamabad has not yet made a final decision on troop deployment.

Rubio noted that several countries have expressed readiness to send forces, and if Pakistan confirms participation, it would become a key partner in the mission. He added that certain operational and political issues must be clarified before the force can be deployed. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding participation in the International Stability Force (ISF).

The move follows earlier remarks by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in November, indicating readiness to send troops to Gaza. Analysts suggest Pakistan’s involvement could strengthen its diplomatic standing but may also draw scrutiny from regional actors. Further announcements on the ISF’s structure and leadership are expected soon.

A special court in Pakistan has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana corruption case. The verdict, delivered at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where Khan is currently detained, found the couple guilty of unlawfully acquiring and selling state gifts, causing financial losses to the government.

The court imposed a fine of 16.4 million Pakistani rupees on both and stated that failure to pay would result in additional imprisonment. The charges were brought under sections 34 and 409 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Corruption Act. The judgment noted that the court considered Khan’s age and Bushra Bibi’s gender in determining the sentence length. Their lawyers have announced plans to appeal the ruling.

The case was filed last December by the National Accountability Bureau, alleging that the couple undervalued jewelry gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to obtain them from the Toshakhana. The decision marks another major legal setback for Khan as he faces multiple corruption and political cases.

Four Pakistani soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on a security forces camp in North Waziristan’s Boa area, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Friday. Militants identified as members of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to locally as 'Fitna al-Khariji,' launched the assault using an explosives-laden vehicle after failing to breach the camp’s outer defenses.

The explosion caused the collapse of the camp’s wall, damaging a nearby mosque and civilian infrastructure. Fifteen civilians, including women and children, were seriously injured. The ISPR named the fallen soldiers and stated that the attackers were allegedly supported from across the Afghan border. Pakistan urged the Taliban-led Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used by anti-Pakistan militants.

The incident underscores ongoing cross-border security tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as Islamabad continues to face escalating militant violence in its northwestern tribal regions. Analysts warn that failure to curb such attacks could further strain bilateral relations and destabilize the border areas.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that his country delivered a lasting lesson to India during the brief May 2025 conflict, which followed escalating tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at an event in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sharif asserted that India’s government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never forget the defeat it suffered in the 87-hour war.

According to Sharif, Pakistan’s armed forces achieved victory in what he described as a ‘battle for truth,’ supported by national unity and prayers. Pakistani officials claim to have downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and several drones before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10 ended hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Analysts note that Sharif’s remarks reflect Islamabad’s attempt to reinforce domestic confidence and regional deterrence. However, New Delhi has not publicly acknowledged such losses, and independent verification remains limited. The comments may further strain bilateral relations as both sides continue to rebuild diplomatic channels after the brief but intense confrontation.